Life List #1 Revisited - 100 Venues Before I Die – Part II

It’s almost been a year since my initial “Bucket List #1” blog entry.  That means it’s time to evaluate how I am doing!  I’ve gone from 35 to 50 in one year.  At this rate I’ll complete my goal in no time!  

I've already completed 50% of my goal in less than 4 years.

36. Zydecco

37. Short North’s Got Talent - Axis

38. ComFest

39. Columbus Arts Festival

40. J. Lui

41. De’Lish

42. Mommapalooza

43. Short North – Art al Fresco

44. Suite 143

45. Relay For Life – Arlington High School

46. State of the City Address – COSI

47. WNCI 97.9fm

48. Bose Store

49. Shrunken Head

50. Carnival Cruise Line

51. Graduation Party

August 2011 Gallery Hop - Performance for JDRF Charity

Gallery Hop has given me so many opportunities.  Every month I meet new people, learn new things, and see old friends.  In 2009 I started my Hop experience in front of the Victorian Gate, and a rotation moved me to Bollinger Tower in 2011.  The move gave me a larger performance space, a complete cheering section composed of the many residents of Bollinger Tower, and an opportunity to sponsor my first charity event (more about that is a bit...).

iSmile!!

I've always felt that any opportunity that you are given to GIVE you should do it!  Jake is our family friend and an all around great kid, as a parent I find that the friends my children hang around eventually become my additional sons and daughters :)  In this case what parent wouldn't go above and beyond for their child.  I purposely surround myself with people who inspire me.  This keeps me encouraged, and excited about life.  Doing this event for Jake was personal because his family inspires me to be a great parent and to create even greater opportunities for my children and their friends!

uSmile!!

This month our fundraiser was for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), which turned out to be named The Smile Event.  I had so much fun, I can't express it all.  Try to picture a bunch of random people running up and down High Street waving The Smile sign in everyone's face, and then seeing their response!


It never ceases to amaze me how music can bring complete strangers together for a great cause.  We had dancers, singers, photographers, neighbors, friends, videographers, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, and tons of smiling people all night long, and they gave lots of donations for our event.  100% of the proceeds went to our charity event and I can't thank the Short North Arts District enough for the platform they give to local artists.  See you next month at the Hop!


Want to learn more about JDRF?  Visit their site here.


“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”  - Margaret Mead

Life List #1 - 100 Venues Before I Die

So in the spirit of setting goals whether they be big and grandiose, or small and meaningless.  I know how important it is to set goals.  In the past it's been a sort of mile marker in showing me my growth as I've traveled through this life.  


I started my list knowing it will one day be filled, I just don't when exactly, but I see I'm already on my way to something great!  Ever have a feeling that you are on the cusp of something good?  Putting the pieces together that will solidify your destiny?  I think I'm there just not sure of everything just yet, but I'm on my way.


I've already completed 35% of my goal in less than 3 years.


 1. Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship
2. Arlington Cafe
3. GrovePort Arts Festival
4. Annual Bealagio Party
5. On the Rocks
6. Jeff's Jam for charity
7. Hey Hey Bar & Grill
8. Columbus Doo Dah Parade
9. Cardinal Health
10. Martini Park
11. Gordon & Biersch
12. Clintonville Community Theatre
13. Delaware Arts Festival
14. Weasel Boy Brewing Company
15. Grove City Summer Sizzle
16. Pastor Gore's Community Concert
17. Otani Restaurant and Sushi Bar
18. Nationwide Arena
19. Dirty Franks
20. Fats Bar & Billiards
21. Short North Gallery Hop
22. Victorian Midnight Cafe
23. Vonn Blues
24. Vonn Jazz
25. Backstretch Bar & Grill
26. Ohio's Governors Mansion
27. Dave & Sarah's Wedding
28. Mellow Mushroom
29. Thirsty Ear Tavern / Woodfield's
30. Easton Town Center - Sounds of the Town
31. Scarlet and Grey
32. Rumba Cafe
33. Ruby Tuesday
34. Oldfields on High / Kobo
35. Church

Give A Little Wave

Last week I took a different route to work.  Schools about to start, there's construction going on, and this new route will eliminate all those hold-ups....NOT!


As the car moved slowly down the deadest part of town I couldn't understand why.  My first thought was it must be an accident.  Then I thought, everyone took the back way to the local schools for freshman orientation.  Finally I said, the public transportation bus is holding us up....NOPE!


After about 2 minutes of slow moving traffic, I realized what the hold up was, and felt ashamed of my impatient attitude.  On the side of the road, stood an elderly gentleman at the end of his driveway with his cane supporting him as he excitedly waved at each individual vehicle that passed his property.  The look in his eye resembled that of a toddler who is discovering all the excitement the world has to offer for the first time.

How lovely of him to share his good morning with me and even better to see drivers on either side of the road stopping their car to wave back, myself included.

They say people may forget what you say or what you did, but will always remember how you make them feel.  That's what I love about singing.  People have sat and listened to me for 4 hours straight, and not know my name, band name, or website, but the first thing they comment about is how it made them feel.

This morning seeing that elderly man made me ask, Girl Now What?  My answer?  Give a little wave, share a big smile, and don't care about who may get inconvenienced by it all.  In the end someone will appreciate it.

Lending Your Voice for a Cause

In May of 2010 I crossed off another "BucketList" item.  I used my voice (literally) to make a difference in the life of teenagers who are developing their voice.

May 1st, I along with some of Columbus' prominent original bands held a charity event for Huckleberry House, Inc.  Take the time to find out what's going on in the world around you and what non profit organizations near you that can really use your gifts and talents to make a difference.

Amber Knicole Fisher Shares

I met Amber in December 2009.  Up until that point, I had only heard about her and her band, MoJoFlo.   I didn't get to see her perform until July 2010.  Call me lazy, busy or just to preoccupied with work, family and life, but I just never got around to it.  When I finally went to a MoJoFlo performance, all I could do was kick myself for waiting so long to go see them live. What a great sounding group!  They play at a level that makes you feel the music and dig the emotions that are being shared.  They were all on point, the harmonies were flawless and nothing they shared was disappointing.

Before Amber and I sat down to talk, I was able to find out a few things about her just by doing a google search.  This would make my sitdown interview easier by allowing me to confirm what I read and learn more.  It's so important as we go through life to not only appreciate one another's gifts and talents, but to also share them with each other.  I shared with Amber what I knew: 

I've learned that she is a:

• Singer, Song Writer, Great Performer

• Capital University Alumni

• Actress

• Daughter

• Sister

• Girlfriend

We laughed a little at what you can find out about people just by looking them up online, but I wanted to know more.  So my questions began.

At what age did you start singing?

I started singing at the age of 4, I was in the children's choir at church.  My mom tells a story about a little girl in the choir who got scared and choked right in the middle of her performance, and I took over and sang her song for her.

Now, if that isn't the making of a star, I don't know what is!! 

Do you play any instruments? 

I played the flute from 4th to 8th grade, not so much anymore, but you never lose your lip.

You've been singing since 4, playing instruments while in elementary school, and now your name is known as one of the rising stars in Ohio.   

After all these years...Why do you perform?

I still perform because it's 100% about how I feel; I perform to feel good.  When I'm in front of people, there is no fear, I know I'm supposed to be here, and it's magical.

Share with me a magical moment.....

I once performed on stage during a play, and after singing my song, the stage manager called for a forced intermission.  For me that was magical because it meant that my performance was just that powerful, and I hope the audience felt it too the way I did.

Being so talented, I can only imaging some of the things you have experienced and lessons you've learned.  Can you share some of those? 

Sure, I've dealt with jealousy, and there's been times where I've lost friends and not had friends because of singing.  But, I learned through those situations that what God has for me is for Me! A big part of that revolves around knowing my purpose.  That alone has allowed me to get past those issues.

What were the best Words of Widom (W.O.W) ever given to you?

A better way for me to answer that is to tell you who.  My mom is such a inspirational woman for me.  She was the one who told me that what God has for me is for me.  She frequently sends me emails just to encourage me.  I look at her as my core/homegirl.  She once told a few things, but these are ones I remember off the top of my head.

- We all face challenges; you decide how you come out of them

- It's darkest before the storm

- You can't show all your cards

- You can't tell everyone everything

Having said that, I think I have a good idea on what your answer will be to my next question:

Who inspires You Personally and Professionally?

Of course my mom does, she taught me to have high morals, exude strength, and always be committed. But, I am also inspired by other people.  It is exciting to see my peers that are doing what they love to do.  I am inspired by people all around me, like one who lost 130lbs. in 2009; the sharing of that story inspires and motivates others.  I think anyone who is accomplishing the goals they are setting before them causes me to look around and be inspired as well.

When looking at who inspires me professionally, I think of vocalists like Chaka Khan.  I love hearing the notes she can hit, and when she sings, her voice is enough; you don't need anything extra from her.

What is your favorite song and why right now?

That would have to be "Sho Would", written by George Barrie on our CD MoJoFlo: Waiting.  I just love the message, context and lyrics, I am such a lyrical person.

Where can we find out more about you and the projects you are working on?

Reverbnation / MySpace / FaceBook / Website / Youtube / Twitter 

AMBER'S DEMO REEL

So, I have to ask you, Girl Now What......? 

Since you asked, I'd have to say, keep going, don't get complacent, know that this is just the beginning.  I expect to go global. I'll be writing and performing more original works, continue to be happy by doing what I love to do...singing 

Anniversary Reflections

On April 10th and 13th I celebrated two great events that mean very much to me.  My 12th wedding anniversary, and 1 year anniversary with Flytown Soul Revue.

My marriage has been very eventful, but I wouldn't change a thing.  We have grown up together and beat hundreds of obstacles that were before us.  I am honored and proud to say I belong to only him.  

After 12 years I wondered what I could share with the world as it relates to us and what we have accomplished.  The only thing I could think of that was "Never Give Up!!"  This is my promise to myself because what I have will definitely always be worth the investment to maintain and watch grow more.

As a band, Flytown jammed with over 60 friends/fans/family and the band Meister at Scarlet & Grey Cafe.  We've done a lot in such a short time.  We've visted the Governor's mansion twice, performed at some of the premier venues in the Columbus area and were even invited to party with a couple who made the decision to commit their lives together through marriage.  All this was accomplished while being full-time career men and women.  I'm convinced of two things in this world.

1.)  Romans 8:38 - For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

2.) If you set a goal and work towards it you will accomplish it.  If you work hard, you will get a return on that investment.

I've never claimed to be the best at anything. I know that there are people that are much better at many things I think I'm good at, but I'm enjoying every bit of what I am experiencing as I'm living!

Happy Anniversary to me 2x's!!!